Dandruff, also known as scurf or Pityriasis simplex capillitii,is basically a fungal infection caused by Malassezia globosa. It can also be attributed to dry skin, oily skin, too much or too little hair washing, diet,stress &/or hygiene. Dandruff is a condition of the scalp that causes flakes of skin to appear and is often accompanied by itching. In some cases, it can be embarrassing and not easy to treat.
Dandruff can be treated by using over the counter drugs and/or shampoos, but they tend to come back again- the most effective dandruff control measures are the home remedies, which although slow show most effective and complete treatment.
Dandruff is more common in men than in women, and even more in people with oily skin. Many studies suggest that diets that are too salty, sugary, spicy and consumption of excessive alcohol induces dandruff.
Factors of Dandruff:
Diet
Dry Skin
Not shampooing
People who do not brush/comb their hair
Psoriasis & Eczema
Reaction to hair or skin care products
Seborrheic dermatitis: Oily irritated Skin
Stress
Yeast/Fungal infection
Do check out the following home remedies to combat dandruff:
Neem:
Warm dried & ground neem leaves in coconut oil and apply this mixture to your hair twice a week.Or boil a handful of neem leaves in four cups of water.Cool and strain the solution and use this decoction as a hair rinse two or three times a week.
Coconut Oil:
Coconut Oil, is known for its anti-microbial and moisturizing activities which had numerous uses for beauty and health. Warm coconut oil and massage it onto your hair. Leave it over night or atleast for 2 hours and then wash it. Or take some coconut oil and squeeze half lemon in it. Rub it on your scalp and massage for a few minutes. Wash your hair after 30 minutes. Follow this remedy two to three times a week.
Apple Cider Vinegar:
It restores the pH balance of the scalp, thereby inhibiting the growth of yeast. Take 1:1 of apple cider vinegar and water and add 15 drops of tea tree oil. Apply it onto your scalp and massage. Rinse your hair after about 15 minutes. Follow this for two or three times a week.
Olive Oil:
Warm extra virgin olive oil and massage it onto your scalp and then wrap your hair in a warm towel. Leave it on for at least 45 minutes or overnight and then rinse your hair.
Tea Tree Oil:
Dilute the tea tree oil by adding it to a tablespoon of olive oil or coconut oil. Apply it on your hair, leave it on for at least an hour or overnight and then wash your hair. Do this once or twice a week.
Lemon:
Mix the juice of half lemon in one-quarter cup of plain yogurt. Apply it on your hair and scalp, massage and leave it on for about 20-30 minutes before rinsing it off and shampooing.
Alternatively, simply massage your scalp with a few teaspoons of lemon juice mixed with a little water. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing.
By:Archa Dave
